Why do peonies develope large green buds that don't open up?
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My Peoney plants are very heathy. However, they develop large buds which partially open. The buds remain greenish white? Help!
11 answers
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I had one that did this too and this is a very good question. Can anyone help with this????
Myrna Quist
on Oct 28, 2014
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Has this happened more than one season? If the buds look otherwise healthy, my first thought is the weather. A sudden chill at the later stage of bulb development can cause the condition you describe. If it happens year after year, that cultivar may just not be happy with the particular conditions in your garden.
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 28, 2014
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Peoney's used to open fine,but now only partially open.Planted on southern exposure,full sun.
Joanne Taylor
on Oct 28, 2014
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Not enough sun? Are they new or have they been moved? Peonies like to be plants pretty high. If you plant them too deep they will struggle. If not then probably the weather like Doug said is to blame. We're all crossing our fingers that this winter will be milder.
Patti @Hearth and Vine
on Oct 28, 2014
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This sounds crazy, but there may be some truth to it...I have noticed through the years that there always seems to be ants gathered on the peony buds. Years ago I asked my grandmother why this was, and she said that if the ants weren't there, the buds wouldn't open. Don't ask me why, but that was her answer. My peonies bloom beautifully and I don't disturb the ants!
Angela Burkhart
on Oct 28, 2014
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Full sun and I agree with Angela, if you don't have the ants you will not have the blooms; green thumb passed on by my Mom and Grandma.
Barbara
on Oct 28, 2014
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Frost and sun- if neither of them then I need to ask "how long have they been in the spot?" if more than 5 years it is time to divide them. Perennials need to be divided and peonies are no exception. I also want to add that fertilizing them in the spring would be helpful too. (I use fish fertilizer). Ants do not aid in blooming but Ants love to gather on the peony blooms to drink in the sweet nectar. When dividing, just make sure to plant at the same depth and keep watered until established. Good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Oct 28, 2014
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I also agree with Angela they seem to need the ants to open. My Mom sprayed hers once, because the plant was near the house, and they didn't open learned to leave the ants alone.
Gail
on Oct 28, 2014
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Ants are not always on peonies and some varieties have more nectar than others. while it appears ants do aid in the opening of the buds, ants are not necessary because the bud will eventually open on its own
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Oct 28, 2014
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I was always taught that ants are necessary with peonies.
Lisa Salerno
on Oct 28, 2014
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If you will notice, peony buds are very tight. The ants may be the answer to open them. They probably also like the nectar, but many times the animals are beneficial with other motives.
Connie
on Oct 29, 2014
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